Camp dates for summer 2024 will be announced soon.
Application Instructions
Step 1
Carefully read through ALL of the instructions on this page, then complete and submit the online EMF application below. Please note that registration for EMF 2023 is now CLOSED.
Step 2
Pay your non-refundable deposit or full payment in order to secure your place. You can pay online (click here to go to our payment page) or by mailing in a check. Your deposit will be applied to your tuition. Your registration is not complete until we receive: 1) your online application and 2) your deposit or full payment.
For Session 2 woodwind players only:
Session 2 woodwind players also need to submit a placement recording by July 1. Links to excerpts and instructions can be found below.
Financial Aid
Please contact education@tysamusic.org to inquire about need-based financial aid, or complete and submit the financial aid application below by June 1.
Envelopes Should be addressed to
Tacoma Youth Symphony Association
Attn: EMF Manager
901 Broadway, Ste 500
Tacoma, WA 98402
Session Information
EMF Session 1
July 17 – July 21, 2023 • Pacific Lutheran University
Younger musicians meet for daily classes and rehearsals. The program is designed for young string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players. String musicians entering grades 2-8 in the upcoming school year need to have a minimum of one (1) year of experience on their instruments. Woodwinds, brass, and percussion musicians entering grades 6-8 need to have a minimum of one (1) year of experience on their instruments. We are also proud to offer a choral option during Session I for voice students in grades 5-8 in collaboration with the Tacoma Youth Chorus!
Tuition
Tuition for Session 1 is $395 (Early Bird rate if full application received before May 15, 2023) or $445 (regular rate), with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Full balance is due by July 15th.
Facilities
Session 1 will be held at Pacific Lutheran University.
Session 1 Final Concert
Friday, July 21, 2023
7:00 PM • Pacific Lutheran University, Lagerquist Hall
Session 1 Sample Schedule
8:45 – Student Check-In
9:00 – Rehearsals
10:00 – Music Theory
11:00 – Rehearsals
12:00 – Lunch and Recreation
1:00 – Sectionals/Rehearsals
2:00 – Lecture/Recital Demos
3:00 – Music Exploratory: Conducting, Movement, Rhythm, and Improv
3:30 – Day Ends
Post-Acceptance Packet and Student Guidelines
AFTER receiving a communication from the EMF festival manager indicating your acceptance to the festival, click below for your post-acceptance packet and student guidelines:
EMF Session 2
July 30 – August 5, 2023 • Central Washington University
Musicians entering grade 9 and above (through age 21) in the upcoming academic school year are invited to apply for Session 2. Musical studies include chamber music, orchestra rehearsals, masterclasses, orchestral technique classes, performances by artists-in-residence, section coaching, classes on advanced musical analysis and history, daily concerts, and faculty and student recitals. Audition recordings may be required depending on the instrument. Session 2 will be an overnight camp held at Central Washington University.
Tuition
Tuition for Session 2 is $1,265 (Early Bird rate if full application received before May 15, 2023) or $1,365 (regular rate), with a $200 non-refundable deposit. Full balance is due by July 15th.
Facilities
Session 2 will be held at Central Washington University.
Session 2 Final Concerts
Friday, August 4, 2023 – Chamber Music Concert
8:00 PM • Central Washington University
Saturday, August 5, 2023 – Final Concert
1:30 PM • Central Washington University
Session 2 Sample Schedule
9:00 – Orchestra Rehearsal/Sectionals
11:00 – Music Theory
12:00 – Lunch
12:45 – Team Building/Faculty Recital/Ice Cream Social
1:30 – Orchestra Rehearsal
3:00 – Break
3:15 – Chamber Music
4:30 – Lecture with Dr. Cobbs
5:30 – Day Ends
Post-Acceptance Packet and Student Guidelines
AFTER receiving a communication from the EMF festival manager indicating your acceptance to the festival, click below for your post-acceptance packet and student guidelines:
Session 2 Woodwind Players ONLY
Session 2 woodwind players are asked to submit a recording (video or audio) for placement purposes, due by July 1 to emf@tysamusic.org. Please state your name, age, and school at the beginning of the recording, and include a performance of the corresponding excerpt for your instrument (provided below).